Last month, LIME looked at the benefits of several ergonomic computer mice and similar devices. Today, we look at their constant companions—keyboards—which despite being attached to some rather speedy late-model technology, remain as antiquated as a Model T.

Few realize that today’s keyboards date to the 1860s and the first modern typewriter. They haven’t changed much since, and what’s more, the QWERTY layout (named for the top row of keys) was inefficient by design right from the start, with common letters moved to the fringes to keep fast-fingered typists from jamming their machines. As many know all too well, the keyboard’s unforgiving straight-lined design requires awkward hand placement. For some, this means pain in the wrists, hands, arms, and upper body.